Showing Compassion

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber to be an example of a charismatic religious leader. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We can show compassion to someone we know, but the Lord shows compassion for all humanity. He corrects us; he disciplines us; he teaches us. Like a shepherd tending sheep, he brings us back to himself. He will have compassion on us if we accept his guidance and are eager for him to show us where we are wrong. -Sirach 18:13 [also known as Ecclesiasticus] (GNTD)

Truly we are saved by the grace of God as evidenced in the shedding of the precious blood of Jesus for our sins. As Christians, that must be the first and most important fact of our faith life: the absolute GRACE of God. That being said, where we go from there really depends on us. Let us not forget what Jesus said were the first two greatest commandments:

“Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.”  -Matthew 22:36-40 (GNT)